IELTS Mechanics

Learning ObjectivesAfter this lesson, students will be able to:

• Discuss what IELTS is.• Tackle its test format.• Answer frequently asked questions about IELTS.• Recognize Computer-delivered IELTS test.• Differentiate Paper-based and Computer-delivered IELTS test• Answer frequently asked questions about Computer-delivered IELTS.• Recognize IELTS Indicator and how it works.• Understand the benefits of IELTS Indicator.• Acquire some useful link to aid IELTS Preparation.

Learning Objectives 2

IELTS - Mechanics

What is IELTS 3

The International English Language Test (IELTS) is designed to help you work,study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. Thisincludes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA.

Your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English will be assessedduring the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia andCambridge Assessment English. There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General Training.

IELTS - Mechanics

Why Take IELTS? 4

IELTS - Mechanics

If you are looking to work, live or study in an English-speaking country,then you must be able to demonstrate a high level of English languageability.English is the third most spoken language in the world, with 379 millionspeakers worldwide.Being able to communicate in the native language of the country youwish to work or study in, has a wide range of benefits. It is also essentialfor job opportunities as well as integration into the community.

IELTS is the most popular test for those looking to migrate toAustralia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It is globally recognized bymore than 10,000 employers, universities, schools and immigrationbodies including 3,400 institutions in the USA.

IELTS score scale 5

IELTS - Mechanics

Band score

Skill Level Description

9 Expert user The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of Englishis appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.

8 Very good user The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasionalunsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand somethings in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentationwell.

7 Good user The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasionalinaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. Theygenerally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

6 Competent user The test taker has an effective command of the language despite someinaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use andunderstand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

5 Modest user The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.

4 Limited user The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently showproblems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.

3 Extremely limiteduser

The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

2 Intermittent user The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. The testtaker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

1 Non-user The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.

0 Did not attempt the test

The test taker did not answer the questions.

IELTS score scale

IELTS - Mechanics

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Test Format

IELTS - Mechanics

The IELTS test assesses your abilities in listening, reading, writing andspeaking – in less than three hours. There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General Training. Listening and Speaking are the same for both tests, but the subject matterof the Reading and Writing sections differs depending on which test you take. The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of all IELTS tests arecompleted on the same day, with no breaks in between them. The Speaking section, however, can be completed up to a week before orafter the other tests. Your test centre will advise. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

For a detailed test format on all IELTS parts refer to the link below:https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/test-format

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How is your score marked?

IELTS - Mechanics

IELTS scoring in detail

The IELTS Academic and General Training test results are reported using thesame nine-band scaleThe Test Report Form provides your Overall Band Score and band scores for eachof the four components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Overall Band Score

The Overall Band Score is the average of the four component scores, rounded to thenearest whole or half band. The component scores are weighted equally.

For a complete description of component band scores as well as thedownload link for Writing and Speaking Tasks Band Descriptors, refer tothe link below:https://www.ielts.org/ielts-for-organisations/ielts-scoring-in-detail

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IELTS FAQs

IELTS - Mechanics

What is IELTS?Which organizations accept IELTS?Who owns IELTS and who writes the test?Why are there two versions of the test?Which test should I doWhat is the test format and how long will it takeWhat help is available for test takers with visual, hearing, speaking or learning difficulties?When can I take IELTS?How much does IELTS cost?What if I need to postpone or cancel my application?What if I am absent or sick on the test dayIs the IELTS test completed in one dayWhat can I bring into the test room?Which part do I take first?What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

Does the Listening tape provide instructions and pauses?Is there a similar period of 10 minutes in the Reading test to transfer answerCan I use a pen for the Listening and Reading tests?Can I make notes on the Listening and Reading question papers?What is the Speaking test?What do I need for the Speaking test?How are the tests markedWho sets the pass mark for the IELTS test?When will I receive my test results?What if I lose my Test Report Form?How soon can I re-sit the test?What if I feel my test result is wrong?What if I am delayed by circumstances beyond my control?

Find all the answers here: https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/FAQ.aspx

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Computer-delivered IELTS

IELTS - Mechanics

COMPUTER-DELIVERED IELTS

You can choose to take IELTS on a computer for both the General Training andAcademic tests. The test format, question types, time allocated to each test part and content is thesame for both computer-delivered test and the paper-based test. The only differenceis in your test day experience. You will do the Reading, Listening, and Writing parts of the test using acomputer. All answers will be typed on the screen. The IELTS Speaking remains the same, with a face-to-face interview with anexaminer. The Speaking test will be completed either just before, or just after theReading, Listening, and Writing test parts. With computer-delivered IELTS your results will be available within 3 to 5 days.

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Computer-delivered test Paper-based test

Delivery

ListeningReadingWriting

ListeningReadingWriting

Face-to-face speaking test with a certified IELTS examiner

Availability of Results

3-5 days 13 days

Booking & Registration

Look for a computer icon when booking your test at IELTSregistration.com

Look for a paper icon when booking your test at IELTSregistration.com

Test Availability Up to 7 days a week & 3 times dailyUp to 48 days a year

(Thursdays & Saturdays)

Length of the TestListening (30mins) Reading (60mins)Writing (60mins Speaking (11-14mins)

Paper-based vs Computer-delivered IELTS

IELTS - Mechanics

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Paper-based vs Computer-delivered IELTS

IELTS - Mechanics

Video Comparison

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEvkQmqqgSc

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Computer-delivered IELTS FAQs

IELTS - Mechanics

Can I make notes during the computer-delivered IELTS test? Yes. Computer-delivered IELTS provides a note-taking and highlight function. You can trythese functions on the familiarization tests here. You can also write notes on the login detailssheet you receive at the beginning of the test.

Can I do all parts of the test on the same day? The Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test are completed immediately after eachother on the same day. In some test centres, you will sit the Speaking test on the same day, orup to 7 days before or after your test date. If you take computer-delivered IELTS, the Speaking test will be taken on the same day, eitherbefore, or after the other three parts of the test.

Why can't I use my own headphones for the IELTS Listening test?Headphones will always be provided for computer-delivered IELTS.You can ask your centre to use headphones or special amplification equipment to help you hear the recording, but you will need to ask at least two weeks before your test date.

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What to expect in a Computer-delivered IELTS test?

IELTS - Mechanics

https://videos.ctfassets.net/unrdeg6se4ke/48pTPIiMOz4HOq1Af0seb0/b6202d998e9ab567c06d1a4e30e25380/Computer-delivered_IELTS_-_What_to_expect_on_test_day__English_.mp4

You may download the video below prepared by IDP to familiarize

yourself with the flow of a computer-delivered IELTS test:

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Experience of a Computer-delivered IELTS Test-taker

IELTS - Mechanics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEvkQmqqgSc

Review from a Test-taker:

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IELTS - Mechanics

IELTS Indicator

IELTS Indicator has been created to help students keep their educational goals on trackduring the COVID-19 crisis. IELTS Indicator test covers four skills; Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. After completing IELTS Indicator test, the result will be received within seven days. It can be used to help understand students English abilities while IELTS testing issuspended. It provides an indicative score only and is NOT accepted by all organizations. It is important to note that the IELTS Indicator is not a substitute for the in-person IELTStest. A test taker may still need to take an in-person IELTS test at a test centre once testingresumes to meet the requirements of their university or education provider.

Background

IELTS Indicator

IELTS - Mechanics

How does it work?

You can take the IELTS Indicator on any suitable desktop computer or laptop withreliable internet access. You will need to complete the Listening, Reading, and Writing in one sitting. TheSpeaking test will take place either a few days before or after the Listening, Reading, andWriting test.

Where can you take the IELTS Indicator? You can take the IELTS Indicator at the following locations:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belgium,Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ethiopia, France,Ghana, India, Iraq, Israel, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Mexico,Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Peru,Philippines, Romania, South Africa, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Trinidad andTobago, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan,Venezuela and Zambia.

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Benefits of IELTS Indicator

IELTS - Mechanics

For test takers For universities and education providers

IELTS Indicator test will give you anopportunity to measure your ability inListening, Reading, Writing andSpeaking IELTS Indicator can be completed athome, online while IELTS testing hasbeen suspended in some locations Many universities and educationalinstitutions use IELTS Indicator forapplication purposes. IELTS Indicator is an official IELTSproduct you can trust.

It is a great way to gauge the EnglishListening, Reading, Writing andSpeaking levels of your prospectivestudents The IELTS Indicator test uses officialIELTS test questions and is marked usingIELTS test criteria by qualified IELTSexaminers It is available for a limited time incertain locations where IELTS testing iscurrently suspended due to Covid-19.

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What you need to take the test?

IELTS - Mechanics

a quiet and comfortable space a laptop or desktop computer (Mac or PC only – you cannot take IELTS Indicator on mobile) a computer that meets the minimum and recommended system requirements a reliable internet connection the ability to download and install a Safe Exam Browser (SEB) wired or wireless headphones (for good sound quality during your Listening test) a working web camera Zoom application downloaded on your laptop.

• IELTS Indicator test FAQshttps://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/which-ielts-test/ielts-indicator/faqs• Who accepts IELTS Indicator Scorehttps://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/which-ielts-test/ielts-indicator/organisations

Useful Links:

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Mastering Each Section of Test

IELTS - Mechanics

IELTS Listening

• VIDEO – IELTS Listening Tips• Practice different types of tasks – IELTS.org• Practice different types of tasks – IDP

IELTS Reading

• VIDEO – IELTS Reading Tips• VIDEO – How to answer questions fast • VIDEO – True – False – Not Given | Yes – No – Not Given• VIDEO - Matching Headings • VIDEO – Multiple Choice• Practice different types of tasks – IELTS.org• Practice different types of tasks – IDP Academic IDP General

NOTE: The links above are only samples, you may also find your own sources ofreference to teach your students how to ace their IELTS Test.

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Mastering Each Section of Test

IELTS - Mechanics

IELTS Writing

• Practice writing essays on official sheets – IDP Task 1 Task 2 British Council Task 1 Task 2 • VIDEO – The Essentials of IELTS Academic Writing • VIDEO – IELTS Writing Band 6 vs. Band 8 (Learn what IELTS examiners look for) • VIDEO – How to improve your vocabulary score• VIDEO – How to improve your grammar score

IELTS Speaking

• VIDEO – IELTS Speaking Tips • VIDEO – Part 1 Sample Answers - Home • VIDEO – Part 1 Sample Answers - Family • VIDEO – Part 2 Sample Answer

NOTE: The links above are only samples, you may also find your own sources ofreference to teach your students how to ace their IELTS Test.

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The End

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